Kwaku Ansa Asare, a former Director of the Ghana School of Law, has attributed the recent parliamentary deadlock to “immaturity and inexperience” among Ghana’s political leadership. Speaking on TV3's Hot Issues on November 10, 2024, he suggested that more seasoned and thoughtful approaches were needed to address the ongoing vacant seat controversy in Parliament.
Ansa Asare's remarks came after a series of parliamentary tensions arose over the absence of the NPP caucus from the chamber during a recent session. When Parliament reconvened on November 7 following an earlier adjournment, the NPP MPs were notably absent, which prompted Speaker Alban Bagbin to adjourn the session due to a lack of quorum. This absence led to heated exchanges, with Afenyo-Markin, the leader of the NPP Caucus, accusing Speaker Bagbin of favoring the NDC caucus and “supervising chaos.”
Addressing these events, Ansa Asare criticized Afenyo-Markin's comments as “unparliamentary and disrespectful,” emphasizing the need for MPs to uphold the dignity of the institution. According to Ansa Asare, “This is not how a majority leader should address the Speaker.” He noted that using inflammatory language undermines parliamentary decorum and damages the credibility of the legislature, which he described as “a scar on the conscience of the nation.”
Ansa Asare also highlighted that a more balanced Parliament, like Ghana’s current hung parliament, is prone to disagreements, but he stressed that the key to resolution lies in tact and respect. In his view, insults and accusations do not resolve issues but only deepen divisions. He suggested that, instead of confrontational tactics, leaders could benefit from seasoned advisors who bring “wisdom and perspective” to such disputes.
The impasse began when NDC MPs took seats typically reserved for the Majority, leading to a standoff with the NPP, who have since demanded that the Speaker enforce a Supreme Court order that designates seating arrangements. The repeated absence of NPP MPs has stalled parliamentary proceedings, with sessions now adjourned indefinitely until the Supreme Court’s ruling on November 11.
Ansa Asare called for introspection among MPs, stressing that Parliament’s role is to serve Ghana’s people rather than political interests. He urged leaders to adopt constructive approaches to parliamentary disagreements, highlighting that while passionate debates are a part of democracy, respect for parliamentary procedures and protocols is vital to maintaining governance standards.
In a nation with a growing democratic profile, Ansa Asare’s comments underscore the importance of maturity and unity within Parliament. As the Supreme Court’s decision approaches, it remains to be seen whether this contentious issue will be resolved amicably, with the hope that lawmakers prioritize Ghana’s interests over partisan gains.
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